Army Colonel Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar President

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in on Friday as Madagascar’s new president, just days after a military takeover that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

Randrianirina, who led the CAPSAT army unit that mutinied and joined anti-government protesters last weekend, took the oath of office during a ceremony at the constitutional court in the capital, Antananarivo, according to AFP journalists.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With a people in full fervor, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” he said during his address.

The ceremony, overseen by the head of the constitutional court, was attended by senior military officers, political figures, representatives of the Gen Z-led protest movement, and foreign delegations from the United States, the European Union, Russia, and France.

Randrianirina pledged to collaborate with all sectors of society to draft a new constitution and establish fresh electoral laws to guide future elections and referendums.

He also praised the youth for their role in leading the protests that resulted in Rajoelina’s removal, vowing to “break with the past” and reform Madagascar’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance.